TEMPERS flared as parents and teachers clashed over the future of Bentworth Primary School.

A decision by the governors to consider becoming an ARK Academy in September has caused a major split at the Shepherd's Bush school.

Some parents believe the switch would help improve performance and education standards while those against the conversion insist it would destroy its community ethos.

Teachers at the school are unhappy about the possibility of extended working hours and are planning a secret ballot on whether to take strike action.

And the strong feelings between the two camps spilled over at a heated public meeting at the school, in Bentworth Road, on Tuesday night.

Emotions ran high and voices were raised during the one-hour debate as chair of governors Eugenie White faced accusations that the decision has already been made and refused to bow to calls to step down after receiving a vote of no confidence signed by 28 teachers and support staff.

She said: “I did receive the letter from staff but I answer to the governors and not the staff. Results have fallen in the past two years and this must reflect the lack of leadership structure.

“We have three options. We can carry on and appoint a permanent headteacher, we can confederate with a nearby school or look at the decision to switch to ARK.

“But this is not a done deal and no decision has been taken. Some governors are leaning one way, some the other and some are down the middle.”

Andrew Christie, director of children's services at Hammersmith and Fulham Council, told the meeting: “Converting to an academy is something that a lot of governing bodies in the borough are considering as we speak.

“The council share the ambitions for Bentworth School and we have been disappointed with results in recent years. We also have a high regard for ARK because they have a proven record.”

The school has struggled with a lack of leadership since Tony Proud resigned last summer with interim head Laura Dickson lasting two months before second temporary head Karen Bastick-Styles took charge in December.

Jean Roberts, joint-secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said: “There should be a secret ballot of staff and parents so the governors have a true reflection of views.

“All this school needs is a new permanent headteacher to bring some stability and not to go down this drastic Academy route.”

The school will advertise for a new headteacher this week while the consultation over the potential ARK switch ends on February 20.